In this episode, we discuss the Five Scrolls: Song of Solomon, Ruth, Lamentations, Ecclesiastes, and Esther. Though seemingly disparate in content, authorship, chronology, and genre, Jewish tradition groups these five books within the Ketuvim. We discuss some of the reasons why, and how later tradition reads these books messianically and eschatologically. Show notes The Five Scrolls and the Targums (2:43) Song of Solomon - Ezekiel 16:7-8; Isaiah 62:5; Hosea 1-2; Targum Canticles 8:4-8 (12:16) Ru...
Sep 28, 2022•57 min•Season 3Ep. 31
In this episode we continue our interview with David Mitchell, Biblical scholar and pastoral musician. We explore some of the eschatological themes found in the Psalms and how these play out in the prophetic literature. We also look at the themes of the Psalms in apocalyptic literature, which give context to the New Testament’s quotations of the Psalms, especially Psalm 110. Show notes: The central eschatological themes found in the Psalter (2:18) How do you see the Psalter’s effect on the late ...
Sep 21, 2022•54 min•Season 3Ep. 30
In this episode we interview David Mitchell, Biblical scholar and pastoral musician. We explore some of his work on the Psalms from his book The Message of the Psalter: An Eschatological Programme in the Book of Psalms . David discusses the primary theme of his book with us – namely, that the Psalms have been organized in a way that is intended to convey an eschatological narrative. David shares some of the other theories behind the organization of the Psalms, and then shares a few examples to h...
Sep 14, 2022•40 min•Season 3Ep. 29
In this episode we begin our discussion of the Ketuvim with the Wisdom tradition in the Tanakh. Along with the prophetic tradition, the wisdom tradition played a key role in the development of Jewish apocalypticism. Today we survey the Psalms, Proverbs, and Job, highlighting how they are incorporated into later apocalyptic themes such as the delineation of the righteous and the wicked at the final judgment, the resurrection of the dead, and messianic hope. Show notes What is the Wisdom tradition...
Sep 07, 2022•56 min•Season 3Ep. 28
Bill, John, and Josh tackle your questions in this eighth Q&A episode. Topics include the relationship of apocalypticism to pacifism and fatalism, Messianic Judaism, and the importance of historical studies. Also, don’t miss our rapid fire round (which, as usual, is not so rapid). Show notes: Can you comment on what “salt and light” and “city on a hill” meant for a first-century Jew? (2:10) How do historical studies fit into the larger trajectory of theological development? (9:12) Why do som...
Aug 31, 2022•1 hr 3 min
In this episode we finish our discussion of the Minor Prophets with Haggai, Zechariah, and Malachi. We discuss the various themes found in each book and the role that these post-exilic prophets play in the development of apocalyptic thought. Generally written around the building of the second temple, the authors consistently use apocalyptic scenarios to motivate Israel’s covenant faithfulness in the stewardship of their election. Show notes The return from exile played no small role in the “apoc...
Aug 24, 2022•52 min•Season 3Ep. 27
In this episode we discuss the minor prophetic books of Obadiah, Jonah, Micah, Nahum, Habakkuk, and Zephaniah. As we’ve seen already in the other prophetic books from Isaiah to Amos, the themes of covenant discipline in light of eschatological hope are highlighted repeatedly throughout. Each book has its own particular emphasis and angle, but the covenantal cycle from Deuteronomy 28-30 is always presumed, and this cycle is pushed to its ultimate end by later apocalyptic writers and the authors o...
Aug 17, 2022•1 hr 1 min•Season 3Ep. 26
In this episode we begin our discussion of the Minor Prophets with the books of Hosea, Joel, and Amos. As with the other written prophets, “the Book of the Twelve” highlights the themes of covenantal maintenance, eschatological distress, and ultimate restoration for Israel. Hosea’s marriage imagery, Joel’s emphasis on the day of the Lord, and Amos’ concern for injustices are all framed within the common covenantal narrative. Show notes Intro to the Minor Prophets and Israel’s covenant dynamic - ...
Aug 10, 2022•53 min•Season 3Ep. 25
Bill, John, and Josh tackle your questions in this seventh Q&A episode. Topics include Gentiles and the Torah, scholars like Albert Schweitzer and C.H. Dodd, John 3 and Ezekiel 36, and God’s promises. We also give some practical advice about how to relate to others who see the Gospel differently. Show notes: What is the purpose of the Law for ancient Jews and according to the New Testament? (2:24) What are your thoughts on Albert Schweitzer? (14:04) Can you discuss more of the connection bet...
Aug 03, 2022•43 min
In this episode we discuss the book of Ezekiel and its later interpretation in apocalyptic literature and the New Testament. Just as with the other written prophets, Ezekiel continues the theme of covenantal maintenance, using Israel’s history as a mechanism to describe their future eschatological exile and redemption. Several features in Ezekiel become important to the later apocalyptic writers, including heavenly visions, eschatological imagery, and the way in which these serve to communicate ...
Jul 27, 2022•48 min•Season 3Ep. 24
In this episode we discuss the book of Jeremiah and the playing out of the covenantal cycle as developed in Deuteronomy. Various passages illustrate this cycle, but chapter 25 particularly sets the pattern of covenantal determinism which is developed in the apocalyptic literature. A unique example of the forward projection of Jeremiah’s covenantal cycle is also seen in the Baruch tradition. Show notes Brief overview of Jeremiah (3:18) Covenantal maintenance in Jeremiah - Jeremiah 2:1-3, 23-24, 2...
Jul 20, 2022•47 min•Season 3Ep. 23
In this episode we discuss messianism in the book of Isaiah. In light of the day of the Lord and the coming restoration of creation, Isaiah portrays the Messiah as the head of Israel, who will redeem Israel and glorify Jerusalem. The Messiah functions as a servant of Israel who heals the nation and leads her to her glorious destiny. As Paul would put it, “I tell you that Messiah became a servant to the circumcised to show God’s truthfulness, in order to confirm the promises given to the patriarc...
Jul 13, 2022•1 hr•Season 3Ep. 22
In this episode we look at the theme of redemption and restoration in the Book of Isaiah. The language of new heavens and new earth is uniquely Isaianic and captures the Jewish idea of the restoration of creation. However, this hope is understood in light of the covenant and the glorification of Jerusalem. The apocalyptic idea of the resurrection of the dead develops within this context and finds its epicenter on Mount Zion. Show notes The varying historical narratives about the future redemptio...
Jul 06, 2022•39 min•Season 3Ep. 21
In this episode we discuss how Isaiah is understood and pushed forward by later apocalyptic writers, Jesus, and the authors of the New Testament. Isaiah begins the written prophets in the Nevi'im, which revolve around the maintenance and projection of the covenant through divine judgment and redemption. The primary elements of Jewish apocalyptic thought (the day of the Lord, the resurrection of the dead, and the coming Messiah) are all heavily influenced by the Book of Isaiah. In this episode we...
Jun 29, 2022•52 min•Season 3Ep. 20
Bill, John, and Josh tackle your questions in this sixth Q&A episode. Topics include enjoying life within an apocalyptic view of the world, the meaning of “ekklesia”, the messiah’s relationship to the day of the Lord, the parable of the wineskins, revivals within an apocalyptic view, and how to weed through various competing theological narratives. Show notes: How does love and joy fit into the gospel? (2:12) What does ‘ekklesia’ mean if it doesn’t mean ‘church’? (13:54) How do first century...
Jun 22, 2022•50 min
In this episode we give a brief overview of 1 and 2 Kings and focus on the unfolding and later projection of David’s dynasty. After the failure of the Davidic monarchy, Solomon is idealized and anticipated by the prophetic tradition, wisdom literature, and second-temple literature as the king who is filled with God’s wisdom and who leads the nation in righteousness and obedience. Rather than redefining or reimagining this expectation, the New Testament reinforces the hope for the restoration of ...
Jun 15, 2022•44 min•Season 3Ep. 19
In this episode we discuss 1 and 2 Samuel, and particularly the Davidic covenant in 2 Samuel 7, with an eye toward its forward projection in the Tanakh, second-temple literature, and the New Testament. God’s election of David’s family and the city of Jerusalem play out in subsequent prophetic and apocalyptic traditions. God’s faithfulness to David and his descendants become the crucible of his faithfulness to creation as a whole. Show notes A quick overview of the events of 1 and 2 Samuel (3:05)...
Jun 08, 2022•55 min•Season 3Ep. 18
In this episode we discuss the books of Joshua and Judges and how they are understood in second-temple apocalyptic literature. Though not often talked about, when they are referenced, they are assimilated into the later apocalyptic tradition. The lack of references is also discussed in light of apocalypticism downplaying synergism and human involvement in ultimate salvation. Similarly, the rise of the martyrdom tradition in second-temple Judaism coincides with the development of apocalyptic hope...
Jun 01, 2022•51 min•Season 3Ep. 17
In this episode we look more deeply at Deuteronomy and highlight how the Covenant and the Law are projected into the future both within the book of Deuteronomy as well as by later Jewish writers. Deuteronomy describes a cycle of covenant breaking, exile, repentance, and return that later becomes the foundation for Jewish eschatological conviction. This cycle thus becomes the engine of the apocalyptic hermeneutic in the second-temple period and in the New Testament. Show notes Projecting the cove...
May 25, 2022•47 min•Season 3Ep. 16
In this episode, we give a brief overview of the book of Deuteronomy. We discuss some of the major themes of covenant, law, and land as we survey the book chapter by chapter. The book of Deuteronomy is often neglected in Christian tradition, but it was foundational for the oracles of the prophets and later the teachings of Jesus and the apostles. Show notes Why an overview of Deuteronomy? (2:39) Deuteronomy 1-3: A review to reframe history toward a particular conclusion (4:36) Deuteronomy 4: Cov...
May 18, 2022•58 min•Season 3Ep. 15
In this episode we look at several themes in the book of Numbers that are pushed forward apocalyptically by second-temple literature and the New Testament. Many events in the Book of Numbers–for example, the manna, the snake on the pole, and the wanderings of Israel in the wilderness–are interpreted typologically within a Jewish apocalyptic framework. Though typology has been used throughout church history to change the Jewish hope, Jesus and the apostles simply assume an apocalyptic narrative w...
May 11, 2022•59 min•Season 3Ep. 14
In this episode we look at how Second Temple Jews, Jesus, and the apostles understand and project forward the major themes of Leviticus. Similar to how other themes in the Tanakh are “apocalypticized,” offering and sacrifice, the priesthood, and the calendar of feasts and holidays are understood in light of apocalyptic eschatology. For Jesus and the apostles, the major themes in Leviticus reinforce their native worldview and apocalyptic expectations rather than redefine them. Show notes EP Sande...
May 04, 2022•52 min•Season 3Ep. 13
In this episode we discuss how Second Temple Jews understood Moses and Mount Sinai. The giving of the Torah accompanied by angels, the revelation of the age to come, and the projection of Sinai eschatologically are all presumed by Jews at the time. These ideas, for example, are reflected in the account of the Mount of Transfiguration and in encounters with angels throughout the New Testament. Show notes Moses and Mount Sinai: The involvement of angels - Jubilees 2:1; Galatians 3:19; Hebrews 2:2;...
Apr 27, 2022•33 min•Season 3Ep. 12
In this episode we discuss the important figure of Moses, who takes on a unique authority in Second Temple literature, extending the narrative found in the Tanakh. Because of his special relationship with God, he is given unique revelation of the end times and the coming Messiah. Moses is also viewed as something of a precursor to the Messiah, one who will build God’s house and restore the kingdom to Israel. Show notes Who is Moses? (2:06) How Moses shapes the hermeneutic of the Tanakh and Secon...
Apr 20, 2022•30 min•Season 3Ep. 11
In this episode we look at Isaac, Jacob, and his twelve sons and how Second Temple Jews read and interpreted them. Particularly, The Testaments of the Twelve Patriarchs gives us insight into how Jews framed the election and future of Israel. Jews at the time were not myopic nationalists who were unconcerned and uninformed about the nations, but rather they extended the Tanakh’s framework of the redemption of the nations by means of the salvation of Israel. Show notes Placing the New Testament la...
Apr 13, 2022•39 min•Season 3Ep. 11
Bill, John, and Josh tackle your questions in this fifth Q&A episode. Topics include realized eschatology, dispensationalism, and supersessionism, the Transfiguration, and the New Covenant. Show notes: Are we “under” the kingdom of God now? (2:43) What do you think about Paula Fredriksen’s understanding of Romans 1 and “the resurrection of the dead”? (12:44) Could you explain more about the “eschatology of the American Dream”? (19:05) Does the Transfiguration as seen in Matthew 16 mean that ...
Apr 06, 2022•58 min•Season 3Ep. 10
In this episode we discuss how Jews in the Second Temple period framed Abraham within the apocalyptic narrative of redemptive history. The covenant with and election of Abraham was commonly understood in light of the eschatological judgment and the resurrection of the dead. Additionally, Abraham’s faith was also celebrated by Jewish writers of the period, but always in context to Israel’s eschatological hope. This helps us better understand the passages in the New Testament about Abraham and fai...
Mar 30, 2022•31 min•Season 3Ep. 9
In this episode we interview Rabbi Joshua Berman, professor of Tanakh at Bar-Ilan University in Israel. Rabbi Berman discusses some of his work related to critical scholarship and the Torah as well as some of his thoughts about Jewish election, the covenant, and the purpose of the Tanakh. He explains how through the election of Abraham, God creates a national culture among his descendants to be walked out as a holy people amidst the other nations. As an orthodox Jew living in the land, Rabbi Ber...
Mar 23, 2022•41 min•Season 3Ep. 9
In this episode we discuss the election of Abraham and its development in Second Temple Literature and the New Testament. God’s choice of Abraham after the Tower of Babel is understood as the antidote for the idolatry and rebellion that had come to define the rest of the world. Rather than modern concepts of election as developed in the Reformation, Second Temple Jews and the apostles of Jesus maintain the native context of God’s choice of Abraham’s descendants in the administration of redemptiv...
Mar 16, 2022•39 min•Season 3Ep. 7
In this episode we discuss the rebellion narratives found in early Genesis. In Eden’s garden in Genesis 3, in the consensual marriage of the sons of God and the daughters of men in Genesis 6, and at Babel’s tower in Genesis 11 we see not only a paradigm for the redemptive narrative, but also of the great judgment on the Last Day. We develop the consistent pattern that binds the narratives and the role that they all play in presenting a paradigm for the eschatological redemption. Show notes Trans...
Mar 09, 2022•49 min•Season 3Ep. 6
